'I Didn't Even Recognise Myself': Survivors' Experiences of Altered Appearance and Body Image Distress during and after Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer.

ABSTRACT: Preparation for head and neck cancer treatment is focused on practicalities of treatment. Little or no time is spent prior to treatment discussing aesthetic results of treatment or the psychosocial impact of living with an altered appearance after treatment. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of survivors of head and neck cancers, with a focus on the psychosocial impact of altered appearance. A qualitative research approach based on social constructionist theory was used. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with survivors of head and neck cancer who had been diagnosed in the previous six years. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes. People diagnosed with HNC reported feeling rushed into treatment, with adequate procedural preparation but lit

SUBMITTER: Gibson C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8345413 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature